Community Librarian

City of Hillsboro•Or 97123, OR

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Community members in Hillsboro will be connected with information, resources, learning opportunities, and each other. As the Community Librarian at Shute Park Library, you will provide direct library service, build relationships, and develop programs that respond to the interests and needs of the community. Hillsboro Public Library connects people with information, learning opportunities, and each other. Our mission, For Everyone | Para Todos, guides how we serve the community. Our work is grounded in the Library’s five values: Belonging, Credibility, Excellence, Sustainability, and Innovation with Purpose. These values shape how we welcome patrons, provide access to resources, and respond to changing community needs. This is a generalist Librarian role with a strong focus on community engagement, information sharing, and relationship building. You will spend regular time assisting patrons at the service desk at Shute Park Library while also developing programs, participating in outreach, supporting learning, and connecting people with useful services and opportunities. You will report to a Library Supervisor and work closely with library staff, the Outreach Coordinator, community partners, and volunteers. The role requires initiative and professional judgment while contributing to shared Library goals.

Requirements

Experience in serving a broad general public, balancing competing needs, responding compassionately during challenging interactions, setting respectful expectations, and using de-escalation techniques when appropriate.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to build trust, listen for needs, explain information clearly, and set respectful expectations.
Experience engaging community members and building relationships with community organizations, service providers, or other partners.
Experience developing, delivering, or evaluating programs, services, learning opportunities, outreach, or community activities.
The ability to identify information needs and connect people with accurate, useful Library and community resources.
The ability to engage compassionately and productively with people experiencing houselessness or other complex barriers.
Sound judgment when handling challenging service situations, patron privacy, intellectual freedom, sensitive information, and competing needs.
Basic computer skills, including routine electronic communication and drafting documents using Microsoft Office applications.
Strong organization, collaboration, and follow-through, with the flexibility to adjust as community and operational needs change.
Master's degree in Library Science, Information Science, or a closely related field and six months of library experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position.
Valid driver's license and safe driving record.

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree is preferred.
Applicants without a master’s degree may qualify through the equivalent combination of education and experience described above.
Relevant backgrounds may include education, community-based or nonprofit work, program development, community engagement, and direct customer service with a broad general public.
Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate limited working proficiency in Spanish.

Responsibilities

Provide welcoming, responsive service to a broad range of community members and help them find information, materials, Library resources, and community services.
Provide reference, research, and readers advisory assistance in person and through phone, email, and online service points.
Build relationships with community members and organizations to understand local interests, needs, and barriers to access and help identify priorities for collections, programs, services, and outreach.
Create or adapt, coordinate, deliver, and evaluate educational, informational, instructional, and recreational programs.
Participate in community events, tabling opportunities, and outreach activities with the Outreach Coordinator to build relationships and connect more people with Library services and resources.
Create learning materials, presentations, displays, resource lists, and other tools that help patrons and employees find and use information.
Train, mentor, and share information with employees, volunteers, interns, or student workers as assigned.
Collaborate with Library colleagues, Washington County Cooperative Library Services partners, service providers, and community organizations.
Support daily operations and a safe, welcoming environment by following Library and City policies, maintaining records, contributing to projects, and serving as Person in Charge when assigned.
Serve as Person in Charge of a Library branch on an occasional basis.

Benefits

Competitive pay with City contributions to PERS retirement.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Paid time off for vacation, personal leave, sick leave, and holidays.
Deferred compensation match and HRA VEBA contributions to support your future savings.
City-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance.
Bilingual pay incentives and wellness reimbursements.
A free annual TriMet Hop pass.
Free SHARC and Hidden Creek Community Center access for you and your immediate family.
Paid time to volunteer through Hillsboro Helps.
Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
A supportive workplace that values work-life balance and employee wellness.